NASA's Spherex (Spectrometer for Universe History, Ionization Age and ICES Explorer) observed the interstellar comet 3i/Atlas from August 7 to August 15. The agency's Spherex is one of NASA's space telescopes that observe the comet, collectively providing more information about its size, physical properties and chemical composition. For example, NASA's Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes have also recently observed the comet. Although the comet has no threat to Earth, NASA's space telescope helps support the agency's ongoing mission to find, track and better understand objects in the solar system.
Alise Fisher
NASA Headquarters, Washington
202-358-2546
alise.m.fisher@nasa.gov
August 25, 2025